When Grace Came Down: A Christmas Story of Redemption

by R. Marshall Wright

The message of Grace and hope continues. Although we may not recognize it at the time, God always has a plan. Joshua Ramsey is a dynamic young pastor of a megachurch and has time for everyone except his wife as he builds a great church for God. When Taylor leaves him his life crumbles and he decides to leave the Christian ministry. Searching for what is important in his life, Josh accepts a temporary assignment to a small country church in rural Pennsylvania. It's there, his life takes an unexpected turn when Josh encounters the angel Gabriel and discovers that the first Christmas was very different from what he thought. It was not always cute and cuddly but emotional and messy and filled with drama, just like our lives today. Joshua Ramsey not only learns about the struggles of Mary and Joseph, but learns something about God's plan for his life as well. This story will challenge the reader to examine their life and learn what complete surrender means.

Genres: Christmas

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2021

Reviews

[Scott Rezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Grace Came Down is a poignant and illuminating story about the first Christmas told with heart and humor, and a lot of thought. What really happened during that first Christmas when the Savior of the world was born? What happened during the months previous when Mary and Joseph had their entire lives turned upside down by the most unexpected news of Jesus’ coming birth, and afterward? It’s not what you think, and R. Marshall Wright has written a sometimes entertaining, sometimes insightful, but always on-point story told from the point-of-view of Joshua Ramsey, a preacher in crisis from the 21st century, and even he had a time with the angel Gabriel! Wright will be the first person to tell you he isn’t a writer—he’s a storyteller—but I bet some of his wisdom and experience as a former chaplain and pastor shines through the words he’s penned. You’ll love this version of the first Christmas! I did. The perfect story for those new to the Christian walk… and even well-seasoned veterans of the faith! Five well-recommended ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!

[K.C. Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a wonderful look into what the lives of Mary and Joseph may have been like, and also how their incredible faith in God grew as He guided and provided for them while they lived out His will in their lives. The story is written in a way that is engaging as well as educational. As always, Wright’s writing style pulls you in and makes you live the story, instead of just read it. It is also a story inside a story with a surprising twist at the end. It will make a wonderful Christmas book club read or just a great book to read help you reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas.

[LaDonna McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things that I have loved about this author's books is that each story shows how God is a God of second chances. And this story continues that saga. But there is so much more than just another story of second chances. The overall story is wonderful, but then you get a story within a story..... that story is the real story of Grace coming to the world in such an unlikely form. It takes the Christmas story to a depth that most people have never though of, including myself. So you get a story of fiction, a story of truth with a lot of "what ifs" intertwined in, and so much more. I never expected to get a history lesson too. So many pieces of history and culture for back in the time that Jesus was born are displayed throughout the book too. That part helps us to understand how things "might" have been. It is truly one of the best books by this author so far..... and I've loved them all. I highly recommend this book not only for Christmas reading, but to read anytime of the year. It is truly an inspired work.

[Paula Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi there! We all think we know the Christmas story, but this amazing author gives us a new perspective on how the coming birth of Jesus could truly have effected Mary and Joseph.

This storyteller takes us far deeper than the paragraphs the Bible gives us. I loved feeling as if I was truly getting to know Mary on a much more personal level as more than "just" the virgin mother. This girl had a family and true feelings, and don't get me started on Joseph! His struggles were all so real and brought to life in this book!

I am thrilled to have found this author who always takes me on a journey through my heart and teaches me more about my faith with every book he writes!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful and thought provoking Christmas read. It is fiction as the author points out in the beginning, so it contains a lot of imagining what might have been going on in the gaps that the bible doesn't cover. I was ok with this, because I've often wondered some of the same things. Joshua is a modern day Pastor who has gotten off track with his calling, his life and his marriage. It takes the Archangel Gabriel and the birth of Jesus to help him figure out where his priorities lie and what it means to answer God's call on your life. This was a great book to start off December and help get my head and heart in the right place.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I know I'm going against the majority of people on this book. Can I just say, that it isn't a bad book by any means. It does tell us what the true Christmas is all about. For me though, it reads more like a biblical fiction book, which isn't really my favourite genre to be honest. I did like the way Josh's heart was changed and his dog was adorable. For me it just went on a little too long. If you enjoy Biblical Fiction, then you should really enjoy this. I read this through Kindle Unlimited.

[Eldon Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if you were the pastor of a mega church and your wife files for divorce because you spend more time building the church than time with your wife?
You reach out to God and He sends the angel Gabriel to take you on a journey about the first Christmas. Odd response, but God does know best. If you have ever wondered what it was like for Mary and Joseph to deal with the virgin birth of our Lord then you MUST read this book. You will be inspired and blessed!

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Christmas as seen through the eyes of Josh Ramsey who was seemingly transported back in time to travel alongside the Angel Gabriel to witness the life of Jesus from the angels first visit with Mary through the time Jesus was a toddler. Great storytelling filled with humor, a bit romance and informative relating to the actual events as told in the Bible. Many life lessons to be learned along the way.

[Vicki Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's in the writing of this book!

A real five star book for sure! I'd recommend this book to everyone! God will speak to you, if you let him, then be still and listen for his answer! God has a plan for our lives be sure you're on the right path!You will be glad, if you read it!

[Darlene Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wonderful Christmas Story

This is a delightful book which tells the Christmas story in an interesting way. It’s the author’s imagination. It touches my heart as we think of what might have happened. Although it is true to the Biblical story that we know, it is greatly expanded by R. Marshall Wright. A very inspiring read.

[Sandra Bagwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a quick read. You will want to take time to consider each chapter before moving on to the next. It is two stories in one a modern day issue requiring God's Grace and thoughtful telling of the Christmas story. A great book to prepare your heart for the Christmas season.

[Alice LaJuett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this!!

I love the narrative that is written in this book! Along with the Scripture, he has brought to life the Word and the Christmas story. I can easily imagine that this is how things went.

[Susan Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book but I never should have doubted. I have loved everything I have read by this author. Some parts definitely convicted me with my faith or lack of. Definitely highly recommend this story to everyone.

[Harry Alderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Grace Came Down

Very well written and again another great story. All to be pondered. No antique cars this time, but there were a few donkeys, camels and horses all for the animal lovers.

[patricia mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking deep into the Christmas story

This is a different view of the Christmas story. Kinda like filling in the blanks where scripture didn’t go into details. I enjoyed the different interpretation of Mary and Joseph and how the story was expounded. Very nice read!

[Merry D Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you trust God?

This book is not what you expect. It is a Christmas story but it is more than that. You must read the book and really listen to find out.

[Alice Theobald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet read

I read this book in a few days. It was relaxing and brought the Christmas Story to life. I am going to read more books by this author

[Lois Feltus · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO, SO GOOD!!

I first read this book on KU. I was SOOO good, I decided to buy it and keep in my Kindle library!!! SO, SO GOOD!

[Shelia Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different perspective

Very interesting view of the birth of our Savior. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Grace came down and rescued me!

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good the second time around.

[Elma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserves ten stars .My first time getting and in depth understanding about
Mary and Joseph and their family. It seems like i was there also.Thank you Mr.Wright

[Javerta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This BOOK!!!!! Awesome! I can't wait for book club this week to discuss it.... Thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, inspiring. Loved It!!!

[Wendy Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

DF at 37% in. The conversations between the main character and Gabriel did me in.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes I found myself highlighting passages in this interesting Christmas book. Enjoy a great story.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story that gives you insight to what the first Christmas may have been like. Can you even begin to imagine what it must have been like? I know I couldn't! This story will give you some insight to help you understand what life was like then. Customs, travel, even housing was SO different.
This book helped me understand what Mary and Joseph had to face, imagine their struggles, and think how their faith grew.
As always, Mr. Wright tells an excellent story! Highly recommend (and be ready for the twist at the end!)

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

This book was so amazing. I'VE never given much thought to the "behind the possible scenes" of the Christmas story, but will from now on. And wow, the ending! Perfect!